Pound the Ball into the Paint

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The biggest advantage the Longhorns have in any potential matchup in March is their depth and size down low.

Jonathan Holmes and Cameron Ridley both average over 10 points and seven rebounds per game, while Prince Ibeh and Connor Lammert both possess the ability to step up if Holmes or Ridley face foul trouble.

With four capable big men on the roster, the Longhorns should pound the ball inside on every possession to put their opponents into foul trouble as early as possible.

Once that happens, Texas will be able to dominate whatever game it plays in.

Use Battle-Tested Big 12 Mentality as an Advantage

Texas played in one of the toughest conferences during the regular season in the Big 12, and that should help it in the Big Dance.

Playing against strong teams like Kansas, Oklahoma State, Baylor, Iowa State and others helped train the Longhorns for how they should approach the NCAA tournament.

With five wins against ranked opponents, the Longhorns should have no problem playing in close games deep into the tournament, as they have taken down teams like North Carolina, Kansas and Iowa State already.

Contain Star Guards

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The biggest matchup problem the bracket hands the Longhorns is the terrific guards Arizona State and Michigan both contain in Jahii Carson and Nik Stauskas.

For Texas to have any chance of making a run into the Sweet 16, it must limit the productivity of both star guards, who, when running on all cylinders, can easily lead their respective teams to victory.

The good news for Rick Barnes and company is that Felix and Isaiah Taylor should be up to the task no matter how large it may seem.

The road to a national championship won't get easier if Texas gets out of Milwaukee, as No. 3 seed Duke lurks in the other part of the bottom half of the Midwest region.

NCAA Tournament Forecast

There is no doubt the Longhorns could challenge Michigan in the third-round game at the Bradley Center, but it will be a big ask of the team to leave the court with a win.

Michigan is a well-rounded team even with Mitch McGary sidelined for the season, and it has one too many difference-makers on its roster.

Holmes and Ridley could find their share of points and rebounds down low, but Texas is at a major disadvantage at the guard position when it matches up with Michigan, which will ultimately be its downfall.